Forte Kochi 

In one of the world’s oldest port cities, Forte Kochi, retains the splendid charm of Cochin’s colonial era.

Once a wealthy family’s residential home, this boutique retreat was originally built by the Dutch in the 1860s. Today it has been restored to its former glory with eye-catching canary yellow walls, arched gothic doors with stained glass windows and roofs raftered with dark-wood beams. Post explorations, the courtyard, dripping in foliage, is the most coveted spot with a glistening blue swimming pool lined by wooden sun loungers and tables dotting the tiles where you can breakfast on sugar-dusted waffles and refuel with rejuvenating cups of coffee. In the evening, the space is lit by European-style streetlamps, ideal for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. A more formal affair is offered at the Jetty restaurant offering seafood spreads and fresh catch of the day.